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Twilight Circus Dub Sound System


    " Michael Rose - African Dub " Music Reviews

    The album opens with the sedate drama and peacefulness of "Dub Thunder", which was previously remixed to deeply sophisticated and subtle effect by the obscure and largely unheard of Sparkle horse. (Their version is immaculate, and truly deserves a name check. If Sparkle horse did more remixes of the same quality, surely a future awaits them on the abstract borders of dub). "Dub Thunder" is ideal as an opening, replete as it is with a beautifully restrained and under stated weirdness.

    Ryan Moore has taken the edgy keen aggression of Michael Rose's natural style -- and transformed it, putting a very laid back spin on it, which is both calming and gently surreal at points.

    So we see another side to the talented Michael Rose -- Gussie P captured so perfectly Rose's raw and vital aggression, whilst Ryan encourages and draws out a more thoughtful side from the man.

    This is the charm of different producers and engineers in reggae music.

    It seems apparent that Ryan's musical style is deeply rooted in Scientist, Channel One and Paul Groucho Smykle -- and he can really play drums with a keen, driven aggression.

    The apex of this dreamlike experience is the lazy, dark, spacious funk of "Dub Glitter" which brings to mind work the aforementioned Groucho Smykle did for Sly and Robbie, or Karl Pitterson's Burning Spear mixes with George Oban on bass duties.

    This is a very reasonable work from an artist in full stride, going from strength to strength. It probably won't be the album for you if you are seeking out the dramatically new -- but if you seek orthodoxy, with a distinct respect and enthusiasm for the past -- you really can't go wrong with Twilight's current works -- and the orthodox fans surely do love these experiments, as evinced by Ryan Moore's growing fan base worldwide.

    And there is never the sense that Moore is foisting filler on the listener,or that he has any crass cynical attitude regarding endless reruns of old rhythms -- but rather one gets the distinct sense that he is making these sound structures with care, enjoyment and dedication. More strength to him.

    Reggae Vibes
    www.reggae-vibes.com